Although Dutch pianist
Martijn van den Hoek is best known in Europe for his impressive concert performances of the music of
Franz Liszt, his interest in the piano works of
Franz Schubert is more evident on CD, with several releases to his credit on the Brilliant Classics label. His 2000 album of the Impromptu D. 899 and D. 935 has been reissued several times, both as single releases and as part of the Schubert Masterworks box sets, and this album is wholly deserving of the continued attention that is paid to it.
Van den Hoek's clarity of attack, sustained vitality, and robust tone communicate these passionate early Romantic works with the needed blend of delicacy and strength, and the energy he applies to
Liszt is certainly present in these stimulating performances, if not the flashiness. Yet for all that, these are fairly reflective and at times even introspective readings, and even though
van den Hoek's presentation is generally vigorous and intensely focused, the emotional core of his interpretations is quite sensitive and nuanced. This is especially noticeable in passages where he suddenly pulls back in his dynamics, usually below mezzo forte, and subtly introduces rubato to moving effect. The recordings are close-up with nearly palpable presence, and though the audio levels are fairly high, the listening experience is comfortable and doesn't require volume adjustments.